Energy Expenditure

EE: Body Positions (2014)

• Assessment
  Is there a difference in RMR measurements related to the effects of different body positions in healthy and non-critically individuals?

  • Conclusion

    Based on the evidence reviewed, some postures affect measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in healthy and non-critically ill adults. One study of older patients measured prior to undergoing an elective thoracotomy reported that energy expenditure was not significantly different in the 30-degree head-of-bed elevation than in the supine position. In healthy individuals, three studies reported that sitting RMR was greater than supine or lying RMR, and standing energy expenditure was greater than sitting or lying RMR. One study demonstrated that fidgeting in any of these positions further increased the RMR.

  • Grade: II
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: Is there a difference in RMR measurements related to the effects of different body positions in healthy and non-critically ill individuals?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
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    • Worksheets
      • Brandi LS, Bertolini R, Janni A, Gioia A, Angeletti CA. Energy metabolism of thoracic surgical patients in the early postoperative period. Effect of posture.  Chest. 1996;109:630-637.
      • Levine JA, Schleusner SJ, Jensen MD. Energy expenditure of non-exercise activity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 72: 1,451-1,454.
      • Sujatha T, Shatrugna V, Venkataramana Y, Begum N. Energy expenditure on household, childcare and occupational activities of women from urban poor households. Br J Nutr. 2000; 83: 497-503.
      • Taguri E, Tanaka S, Ohkawara K, Ishikawa-Takata K, Hikihara Y, Miyake R, Yamamoto S, Tabata I. Validity of physical activity indices for adjusting energy expenditure for body size: Do the indices depend on body size? J Physiol Anthropol. 2010; 29(3): 109-117.
  • Search Plan and Results: EE: Body Positions in Healthy and Non-Critically Ill Individuals 2012